Nanoimpellers are an experimental technology developed to eliminate some of the harmful effects of
chemotherapy by facilitating treatment of only specific areas of the body. Nanoimpellers are
nanoscale, light-activated containers filled with
cancer-fighting drugs that only release their contents when hit by a specific type of
laser.[1]
Nanoimpellers for cancer drug delivery were first demonstrated in 2008.[2][3] Initial work used
ultraviolet light, however the low penetration in tissue and potential for
toxicity mean this is not well suited for delivery in patients.[1] Later work has shifted to using
near infrared light and two photon excitation (TPE) to trigger release.[4][5]